The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Command, has issued a stern warning to motorists about overloading, emphasizing its commitment to prosecuting offenders.
The caution comes in the aftermath of a lone accident that occurred on Saturday, resulting in one fatality and eight injuries.
The FRSC State Sector Commander, Mr. Ezekiel SonAllah, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria about the incident and the subsequent warning.
He stated that any driver caught with an overloaded vehicle would face severe punishment.
The fatal accident was attributed to a burst tire on a vehicle that was carrying excess passengers.
The accident happened around 4:12 p.m. at Amurin Junction along the Owo/Akure Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The vehicle involved was identified as a Toyota Hiace with the registration number LD-27-KPA, carrying nine passengers. Unfortunately, one person lost their life on the spot.
The injured victims were promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for treatment, while the vehicle and its contents were handed over to the Uso Police Station.
Commander SonAllah urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, emphasizing that their safety should be a top priority.
SonAllah stated, “As a passenger if you know that the vehicle is overloaded and you value your life, you don’t need to enter such a vehicle.”
